South Sudan Bans The Singing Of National Anthem In Absence Of The President

President Salvar Kiir of South Sudan has banned the singing of the country’s national anthem when he is not around.

Following the directive from the President of South Sudan, South Sudanese who will be found singing the national anthem without the President will be prosecuted.

According to the news channel AFP, the Minister of Information in South Sudan, Mr. Michael Makueni, was quoted saying singing of the anthem without the President will be a crime henceforth.

According to the Minister, singing the national anthem without the President is an “abuse of the national tune.”

South Sudan’s national anthem was written shortly after she gained her independence from Khartoum in 2011.

“For the information of everybody, the national anthem is only meant for the President, in a function only attended by the President and not for everybody,” said Mr. Makuei.

It is said that Mr. Kiir passed the order during a cabinet meeting on Friday in what is likely to spark yet another confrontation in the already war-torn nation.

At the same time, military leaders in South Sudan have been banned from addressing the public when in full military uniform. Those found will be dismissed, arrested and prosecuted.

These are the orders of the President. When you disobey the orders of the President then you carry your cross,” he added.

Civil War

South Sudan plunged into civil war a few months after gaining her independence from Khartoum in 2011.

War broke out following a disagreement between President Salvar Kiir and his Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar.

Over half of the country’s population has taken off from the country and now leaving in other countries such as Kenya and Uganda as refugees.

During the year, Salvar Kiir and Riek Machar reached an agreement of not engaging in war with Machar being reinstated as the first Vice President.

Read Also: Beyond Borders: Civil War in South Sudan Claimed 382,900 Lives – Research